New Delhi:Bangladesh has urged the removal of barriers on its exports via Indian land ports, including anti-dumping duties on jute products and PET film, and the continuation of tariff preferences post its graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, these issues were highlighted at the 16th meeting of the Bangladesh-India Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade, which commenced in New Delhi on October 8. The two-day discussion focused on bilateral trade barriers, land port infrastructure, and regional connectivity.
A 10-member Bangladeshi delegation led by Ayesha Akhter, additional secretary to the Ministry of Commerce, participated in the meeting. They sought a review of current restrictions on goods entering India through land ports and the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers that limit market access.
The delegation also called for the withdrawal of anti-dumping duties on Bangladeshi jute products and PET film, which adversely affect exporters. Additionally, they pushed for retaining tariff preferences under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement following Bangladesh's LDC graduation.
Bangladesh emphasized the need to harmonize product standards, promote mutual recognition, and simplify certification procedures under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to facilitate market access. Discussions also covered enhancing regional freight movement, with Bangladesh seeking increased access for its freight trucks to Nepal and Bhutan via Indian territory.
The meeting addressed the need to operationalize the CEOs' Forum to boost direct business engagement and explore opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment. Bangladesh proposed improving infrastructure at Indian land customs stations, including better access roads, parking, and cargo inspection facilities, to enhance cross-border trade.
India proposed lifting restrictions on cotton yarn exports to Bangladesh and easing export barriers from its northeastern states. The agenda included improving regional connectivity and expanding multimodal transport, along with enhancing the efficiency of trade routes and rail connectivity.
Both countries stressed reducing the time and cost of bilateral trade through more efficient land ports, streamlined customs, and improved border operations, aiming to leverage their geographical proximity to expand trade.